Explain the fundamental issues present in the novel, Cracking India/ Ice- Candy Man.

Sidhwa's novel is one that discusses the reality that
confronts individuals when political reality overwhelms them.  In the specific context
of the novel, the Partition of India is shown to be one that exists as a success only in
the theoretical realms of political reality.  British and Indian politicians carved up
or "cracked" India into different parts, thinking that this would be an ideal solution
to a complex problem.  Yet, the brunt of this political reality was endured by those who
were not in the position of political power.  It is here where Sidhwa's novel takes
form.  Individuals, regular people, must construct their own reality, sometimes in
opposition to what political reality dictates.  Partition was designed to work, but only
in theory, as it failed to take into account the fundamental intermingling and intensity
of religious fervor of the people who were impacted.  When Lenny narrates the
subjugation of people and, in particular, of women in the context of Partition, the
novel raises the issue that there exists a gap between those in the position of
political power and those who must live with the consequences of such decisions.  This
gap helps to create a view of the world that does not embrace political reality, but
rather critiques it in no uncertain terms.